If art is a means to grapple with questions of identity, modernity, and conflict, it should come as no surprise that Lebanon is home to one of the most vibrant and flourishing artistic communities in the Middle East. Strife has long come to the country in cycles, and it appears that its artistic vitality is no different-today Lebanon is experiencing a renaissance of art and culture not seen since before the 2006 war. Through film, paint, and theatre among other media, Lebanon's cultural revival offers original perspectives on its troubled past and thoughtful insights on the future of a region in turmoil.

Consider first the powerful documentary "Tomorrow We Will See" by Lebanese-Japanese filmmaker Soraya Umewaka. The film explores the complex interdependence of art and politics in Lebanon through the eyes and stories of ten artists. These artists-painters, musicians, dancers, and architects among them-have at times used their media as a refuge to weather some of Lebanon's most challenging days. On the other hand, they have also found inspiration in the country's hard times to probe questions of identity, humanity and hope. What emerges from their stories is a thoughtful portrait of an artistic community, concentrated in Beirut, whose resilience and creativity is a testament to the strength of the Lebanese people.

Beirut itself has been home to two events this year which suggest that the art scene in Lebanon is not merely enduring, it is thriving. First, in July, the third annual Beirut Art Fair attracted more than 11,000 visitors to tour exhibitions by 43 galleries from throughout the region. The diverse showing resulted in sales exceeding $2 million. These numbers represent a staggering increase over previous years. Another example of Lebanon's growing cultural clout is underway right now in Beirut, where thespians from throughout the Middle East are gathering for a festival focused on the Arab Spring. Minassa: Platform for Today's Arab Theatre is a six-day theatre festival put on by the French Institute which hopes to exhibit the emerging stage art of the Arab Spring. Taken in tandem, these events point to Beirut as the epicenter of a wide artistic resurgence which has shown little trouble drawing artists and investors from across the region.

Thus, Lebanon's artistic renaissance is diverse and multifaceted, much like the country itself. At a time when so much of the world's understanding of the Middle East is informed by relentless images of conflict, analysts would do well to appreciate that security is but one of many lenses we can use to study the region. At the intersection of politics, economics, and culture, a close examination of Lebanon's art boom may very well yield insights on the dynamics of the country which are unlikely to be found in the more well-trodden political literature. As for the precise role which art and culture will play in Lebanon's fragile political economy? Perhaps tomorrow we will see.